The recall of potentially defective air bags made by Japanese manufacturer Takata has auto dealers in Bend busy — answering their phones.

“We’ve had two ( people) call … that are affected by this recall, of the literally hundreds of phone calls,” said Scott Joens, service manager at Smolich Nissan, on U.S. Highway 20. “We’ve probably had 500 phone calls.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Oct. 20 urged owners to act immediately if their vehicle was subject to the recall, which stretches back 18 months. Some air bag components, especially those in vehicles located in humid climates, could rupture on impact and spray plastic and metal fragments into the cabin along with the air bag, according to the agency.

The recall potentially affects 7.8 million vehicles in about 40 different models by 10 different manufacturers, according to NHTSA. The affected model years vary but cover 2000 to 2011, and the urgency attached to fixing the problem varies according to manufacturer.

“This year, 2014, will set a record for recalls,” said David Blewett, president of Eugene-based Kendall Auto Group, which owns two auto dealers in Bend affected by the recall: BMW and Toyota.

At Bend Honda, also on U.S. Highway 20, the service department has changed out approximately 30 air bags, said service manager Matt Mahoney. The recall affects more than 5 million Honda automobiles, more than any other make. About 900,000 Toyotas are affected, the next largest number of vehicles.

“The trouble with it is that the website developed for owners to check their VIN (vehicle identification) numbers didn’t work,” Mahoney said. “Folks have been resorting to calling their dealers, which is fine. Inundated is the word for it.

“The other option is, if their vehicle is affected by these recalls, they will get a letter in the mail.”

At Subaru of Bend, service manager Sam Maxwell said the recall affects only a limited number of vehicles locally. The recall affects 17,500 Subarus nationwide in three different models made from 2003 to 2005, and only vehicles sold in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Hawaii and the states along the Gulf of Mexico, he said.

“Subaru has been very proactive on this. They started this four, five months ago,” Maxwell said.

He said mechanics have changed out about nine air bags since August. He keeps about four units in stock.

Joens said Smolich Nissan also keeps several units in stock. Both managers said the work takes from one to several hours.

Mahoney said Honda owners affected by the recall should bring their vehicles in immediately for service. The part must be ordered a day in advance and takes several hours to install, he said.

All service managers contacted for this report said that to help consumers, they would check vehicle identification numbers for any owner who’s uncertain whether his or her vehicle is affected by the recall.

“I’d rather give our customers peace of mind,” Maxwell said.

— Reporter: 541-617-7815, jditzler@bendbulletin.com